Issue - meetings

To receive a report on the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

The Cabinet Member: Stronger and Safer Communities presented the report of the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure. The report sought approval of the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for the Borough.

It was noted that the Council was required to produce a homelessness strategy and the previous strategy was due to expire in 2022. The strategy had been produced in conjunction with key partner agencies including the voluntary sector.

The strategy set out four overarching priorities which ran throughout the whole strategy. These priority areas were:

·         Prevention through early intervention

·         Accommodation to support and empower

·         Addressing rough sleeping

·         Collaboration – delivery services that are responsive, targeted and maximise impact

Cabinet members welcomed the report and thanked officers and partners for their work in delivering the service. Cabinet Members discussed personal experiences of using the service and how valuable it was for service users.

In response to a question from the Conservative Group Leader, it was confirmed that funding for mental health support had been secured for a further two year period from the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The adoption of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for the period of 2022-2027 be approved;

b)   Authority be delegated to the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member: Stronger & Safer Communities, to implement the actions set out in the strategy.